Oatmeal with Hazelnuts and Dried Cherries
Creamy, wholesome oatmeal studded with crunchy toasted hazelnuts and sweet-tart dried cherries. A warm and comforting breakfast that comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for cozy mornings when you want something nourishing and satisfying.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Toast the hazelnuts.
Place chopped hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside.
TIPWatch closely — hazelnuts go from toasted to burnt quickly. Remove from heat the moment you smell them. - boil · ~3 min
Bring water and milk to a boil.
Combine water, milk, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- simmer · ~7 min
Cook the oatmeal.
Stir in the rolled oats. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until creamy and tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.
TIPFor creamier oatmeal, stir more frequently. For more texture, stir less often. - mix · ~1 min
Fold in dried cherries.
Remove saucepan from heat. Gently fold in the dried cherries. Let the oatmeal sit covered for 1 minute so the cherries soften slightly.
TIPThe residual heat plumps the cherries just enough without making them mushy. - assemble
Ladle oatmeal into bowls and add toppings.
Spoon oatmeal into serving bowls. Sprinkle generously with toasted hazelnuts and a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle with brown sugar or maple syrup and a splash of cold milk.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant, then remove immediately to prevent burning.
- 2Stir the oatmeal occasionally during simmering for the creamiest texture.
- 3Let the oatmeal rest covered for 1 minute after adding cherries to plump them gently.
- 4For a thicker oatmeal, reduce the water by 1/4 cup or cook an extra minute.
- 5Make-ahead: cook oatmeal, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk.
- 6Store leftover toasted hazelnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a fully plant-based breakfast.
high proteinHigh-protein
Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder after cooking, and top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added satiety.
low oilLow-oil
Skip toasting the hazelnuts in a skillet — simply add them raw on top for an oil-free version with a milder crunch.
jainJain
Use water only, skip milk and brown sugar, and sweeten with pure maple syrup; ensure dried cherries contain no additives or seeds.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Soluble Fiber
Rolled oats provide beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that helps support heart health and stable energy levels throughout the morning.
Good Source of Vitamin E
Hazelnuts are naturally rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.
Antioxidant-Packed Cherries
Dried cherries deliver polyphenols and anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
Bone-Building Minerals
The combination of oats, milk, and hazelnuts provides calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus for strong bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce the simmer time to 2–3 minutes and use slightly less liquid (about 1/4 cup) to avoid a mushy texture.
